*POV BELLA*
Carlisle quickly stitches up Leah's arm and sets her ankle with a cast.
Carlisle: ok stay off your ankle for a week, then you can hop around for another 2-3 weeks.
Leah: does that mean I can't go to your house later for Bella's second party? I really wanted to go to see her open her 18 gifts.
I roll my eyes and we all look to Paul. He looks at me and I just smile at him. It's completely his call and we all respect it.
Paul: Can I come too? Not that I don't trust you. Alice clearly has shown us, we can. It's just, she's my imprint. And right now, with her being hurt, it'll be hard to be away from her. Plus, I wouldn't mind seeing Bella's 18 gifts too.
We all laugh and I roll my eyes at him again. Alice jumps on Paul saying of course and he can invite whoever else wants to come. We head outside to let Leah rest some. Carlisle gave her some pain meds to help with the pain. When we come out, Jake and Eddie are in a staring contest. I look over at Billy and Charlie and they're both laughing. Shit, did they?
Billy: they've been that way since you guys went inside.
Bella: *cough* you guys can hang out here… if you want.
Carlisle: I think it's best if we go. At least for right now. Besides, the others will want to hear about the human who saved a vampire. Alice, you can stay though. I think you should talk to Bella.
I look between Eddie and Alice, wondering about the silent conversation they're having. Billy comes up behind Alice. Pulling her into a hug.
Billy: come on Alice, I want to hear about this vampire who needed a human to save her. Paul and Bella are right, you're welcome on the Res anytime. You're family now. Oh, and Edward, same to you.
She gives him one of her beautiful Alice smiles and I know she'll have him wrapped around her finger like Charlie. They start walking off to the Blacks' house while I walk the others to their car. Carlisle tells me to watch over his daughter with a stern dad look. Eddie and I just laugh but I give him my word.
Edward: hey Bella? Go easy on her. She was just curious. And well you know Alice…. Oh, and can you invite Jake to your party later?
I raise an eyebrow in confusion at him, but he just gets in the car and drives away. And then it clicks, Leah was with Alice over the treaty line. Leah was with Alice the day after we saw Lauren. Who Alice has asked about and I never answered. Shit, shit, shit. Alice knows. I go back into Leah's house to ask her what all Alice knows but she's already asleep. Fuck.
I turn to walk back to the Blacks'. I see everyone is still there. Even Sam and Emily. Alice is right in the middle, sitting with a confused looking Jake and chatting with Emily. She's retelling the story of what happen. All us wolves share a knowing look when we all realize Leah did what the 3rd wife did. She put herself in danger to help the tribe. She knew how much pain it would bring me to lose Alice. She knew how much pain the tribe will be in. Luckily, Leah was saved. And by Alice. Just when I thought I couldn't love her anymore, my heart swells. I'm so luckily and proud to have her as my imprint. Given the way things have been, I think we're going towards a relationship. At least one day. Sam gets up and walks over to me. Over his shoulder I see Jake and Alice stand up. I give Jake the look to sit down and he pulls Alice down with him.
Bella: Sam…
Sam: listen Bella… I just wanted to apologize…
Bella: let me guess, Emily?
I look over at Emily and she gives me a smile. He turns and we look over at the table with the others.
Sam: well yeah but just now… Alice saying what happen. I was luckily and I'm thankful she was there for Leah. If anything had happened to her.
Bella: yeah, we all were luckily and thankful they had each other.
Sam: she really killed one of her own?
Bella: she killed another vampire.
Sam: so, Jake and the other one?
Bella: yepppp.
He pats my back and heads back to Emily. I stand there looking at my family. My tribe family. My imprint. I knew eventually it would happen, but I didn't know when. Now seeing her here. It's like all the pieces were coming together. There was still a lot we had to discuss and eventually would have to find a way to tell her. For now. I would enjoy today. I walk over to join everyone. Emily scoots over to let me sit next to Alice. She gives me a knowing look; I'm sure Sam has told her. After we eat, I grab Alice's hand and start walking her over to the beach. We don't say anything. Both just enjoying the breeze. The tingles are stronger, and I can't help but wonder if she's feeling them. Reluctantly I let go of her hand and face her.
Bella: So… you and Leah, in the woods talking? You know there are safer places you could've talked.
Alice: what can I say, we like a little danger?
Bella: Alice….
Alice: ok but please don't get mad at Leah. I kinda, well I made her tell me about you and Lauren. She didn't want to, but Bella I just had to know what happen.
Bella: why?
Alice: seriously Bella? Did you not see what happen after one run in with her?
I see the worry in her eyes. The plead for me to understand. And I see the crack on her neck, mostly healed but still visible to our eyes. I should've told her. Maybe if I hadn't been so stubborn, this afternoon wouldn't have happened. If this James was looking for Alice, he would've found her with the others, and they would've protected her. And Leah would be completely fine. But there would still be a wall between my 2 worlds.
Bella: *sigh* I know I should've just told you. But clearly now you see why I didn't. It's a part of my past, I don't care to relive.
Alice: if it's ok with you, Rose and I can go trash her car later.
I chuckle at her joke. Turning to grab her hand again and walking us back to the others.
Bella: I think it'll be better if we don't tell Rosalie. She'd probably want to kill Lauren.
Alice: oh, she will. I'm sorry she did that Bella. And I'm sorry she hurt you like that….
Bella: stop. She doesn't deserve for you to apologize on her behalf.
Alice: fine. But let's go… you have one more party to go to! Esme made you a bigger cake when I told her we'd have more guest. Plus, we have to pick up Leah and Paul. And help Jake pick out an outfit! Hey Bella, what happens now with Jake and Edward? I mean, he's a wolf and Edward's a vampire. Does it change anything?
Bella: well, we don't really know. There's nowhere in our records of it happening before. I mean you guys are different vampires and kind of, one of a kind. I doubt the red eyes would've been ok mating to a wolf. Anyways, we'll figure it out as we all go. How do you think Edward is handling it?
Alice: he's been alone for over 100 years. I'm sure he's happy but of course, worried with the whole wolf thing. Not in a bad way, just with the whole treaty thing. You know?
Bella: after today, I think the treaty will be rewritten. But we'll worry about that another day. Come on, I heard we have another party to get to.
We head back to the others. Seeing some have already gone home. Billy and Charlie are the only 2 parents left. Along with Sam & Emily, Jared & Kim, and Jake. Leah & Paul will be waiting for us at her house. Alice pulls Jake into his house to get him into a different outfit. Surprisingly Sam & Emily will be joining us. Sam stating, he just wants to apologize to Carlisle. Emily stating, she wants to join in the party and get to know the others. Billy will be going to meet his future in laws, he's beyond enjoying Jake's imprint. I can't blame him. This was really unexpected. Once we're all ready, we head for the cars. Sam & Emily will be going to pick up Paul & Leah. Charlie & Billy will ride together and Alice, Jake & I will be riding in Jake's truck.
Pulling out of the Res, the others let us get in the front. I'm sure not wanting to make things weird and sending Alice in front for her family's sake.
*POV ALICE*
Sunday morning has been so unexpected. I'm thankful for Leah and the welcoming from the tribe. Then Jake and Edward's imprinting/mating. I'm sure once the party is over, we'll all sit down and go into what it all means. Before, the most important thing, Bella's birthday. The ride back home finally gives me time to think about the whole Lauren situation. I can fully understand Bella's anger. I can even understand Lauren's comment for me not to break Bella's heart. Bella's super quiet too and I wonder if she's thinking about Lauren too. I truly wish she had been the one to tell me, but I can also understand her hesitation. Not wanting to have to relive a sad moment in her life. When we pull up to the house, Bella and I get out. But Jake stays behind the wheel.
Bella: Jake, come in whenever you're ready dude. And if you're not, I'm sure Eddie will understand.
The others join us at the door. Paul carrying Leah. Sam & Emily walking slowly behind. Charlie & Billy over to the side. Esme opens the door before Bella can open it. She's ready to play host with Carlisle standing behind her.
Esme: welcome everyone! Glad to have you here for Bella's big day. Please come in. Paul you can put Leah on the couch, Edward already set it up for her.
Bella and I walk in and head to the living room. Leading Paul and Leah. We hear Billy, Charlie, Esme & Carlisle, talking as they walk in. Emmett runs over to Bella, pulling her into a bear hug.
Rose: Emmett put her down before she cracks your face again.
The others look at each other before looking at Bella in confusion. But Emmett does put her down.
Emmett: Bella wouldn't… Bella you're a bad ass wolf dude! Can I get a ride too?!
His boyish face and energy makes him look like a big ass kid excited at a park. Paul walks forward and lays Leah gently on the couch. Bella sitting down next to her. The others still stand looking at Bella, I'm sure still waiting for an explanation to Rose's comment.
Bella: we got into a fight because he called me a pup. It was ok, we're besties again. Right, you big ugg?
Emmett: only if you give me a ride!
Rose: you remember my threat… it can still happen.
Esme: ok enough kids… Is anyone hungry?
The wolves are quick to ask for a plate. While the others sit down. We all talk while they eat. Rose asking what happen and Leah telling her half of the story. When Edward brings up James, Carlisle tells him we'll discuss it later. We hear a knock at the door and Jake finally walks in. Him and Edward locking eyes again. We all look back and forth at them waiting for one of them to say something. Jake finally sits down next to Billy and Paul. From the looks of Rose, Emmett, & Esme, they already know what happen. We don't bring it up. They will talk when they're ready. Sam slowly stands, drawing the attention of everyone.
Sam: *clears throat* Carlisle, I would like to apologize to you and your family. I was blinded by a hate that completely didn't have to do with you guys. I had no right to behave the way I did and say the things I did. It was unfair to your family and you. Since Alice and Edward are now family, by extension so are all of you. You're all welcome down at the Res and are protected by the wolves. I'm sure our Alpha will agree. I owe so much to you and Alice, for protecting and helping Leah today. I hope you can forgive me and we can start fresh.
Carlisle doesn't say anything, he just walks over and hugs Sam.
Carlisle: of course, son. You all are welcome here too. And never hesitate to call me if anyone needs anything. Now, I see my daughters and Emmett are excited for Bella to get to her gifts. Plus, my wife, is excited for her cake. Please sit son.
Bella rolls her eyes when she sees the table of gifts. Rose and I ignore her, handing her one gift at a time. When she finally gets to the last gift, I'm busting with excitement.
Bella: If I counted right, this is only 17. Not that I wanted 18 gifts anyways, but I thought you said I had 18 gifts pixie?
Alice: well, the last one is from me & Rose, and it requires us to go outside. Rose do the honors please? Everyone please join us outside.
I grab Bella's hand leading her outside, the others following close behind. I flex my fingers around her hand, enjoying the tingles her touch always gives me. The way her warmth spreads through me. Esme puts a hand on my shoulder to stop me from bouncing up and down. The others noticing, chuckle at my excitement but if only they knew why. I cover Bella's eyes and though she protests, she doesn't move. Rose slowly drives out her car, hearing all the gasps, Bella jerks to try to look. She parks right in front of us and gets out. She leans over the car as a car model and I just roll my eyes at her. I count down and uncover Bella's eyes. She doesn't say anything and for a second, I panic. I move to look at her face and see a single tear falling down her face. She walks down the steps and looks inside the car. Walking over to the wolf. She carefully runs her fingers over it. And I see another tear. Before I can speak, she rushes over and hugs Rose. Telling her thank you over and over again. She looks back at the wolf and turns to me, scooping me up and spinning me around before gently putting me down. She doesn't let go of my hand and I don't complain.
Bella: you truly are amazing you know that?
Alice: I know but you can tell me as many times you want.
She rolls her eyes and looks back to her car. Rose dingles her keys before throwing them to her. She starts to pull us back towards the house, I'm sure wanting to get some cake and get away from the emotional moment.
Edward: hey Jake, I was wondering, if you would like to skip the cake and take a walk with me?
Jake: yeah, yeah, of course. Bella, can you save me a slice?
He doesn't wait for a reply. He's off walking with Edward and we turn to head inside. Esme goes to bring out the cake while Emmett dims the lights. And we start singing happy birthday to her. Bella looks around at all of us, before staring at me and blowing out her candles. The feeling I get when she stares at me, feels like what humans say are butterflies. I don't read too much into it. After they all eat, Sam is the one to bring up James this time. Stating it is something that we should all discuss. Bella asks if we're willing to discuss how exactly a vampire is killed. That they read about them in the tribe's memory books. But would like to know what to expect and the best way to handle everything. This is the first time I've ever killed a vampire so I don't have much experience, but I let them know about things today. Carlisle is a little more knowledgeable in that department. He lets them know everything he knows. When Jake and Edward come back, they look more relax and are sharing a smile. The others get up to leave, stating its getting late. Its finally just us with Charlie and Bella left.
Alice: uh Bella… would you like to spend the night? I was wondering if we can talk about somethings. That is if it's ok with Charlie.
Charlie: only if you promise to get her to school tomorrow. No more skipping school. At least for a while.
Alice: I promise!
He chuckles and heads out the door, holding a Tupperware of food. Bella asks him to text her letting her know he made it home. I grab Bella's hand and lead her upstairs. After learning about her whole thing with Lauren, I feel like I should tell her more about me and my past. We've mostly just discussed my traveling and a few stories of the family. I think our friendship has gotten more personal. And I can tell her more about me. At least the little bit I know about my human life.